Cross Country Opener Deemed ‘Solid’

New Wilmington, PA - Saturday morning the Men and Women′s Cross Country teams traveled to the Fisher Invite at Westminster College for the season opener. The Women′s team found a second place finish while the men found the fifth place slot.

"We had a solid season opener and got to compete against some of our PAC conference opponents; Westminster, Saint Vincent and Waynesburg. We now know a little bit better where we stack up at the moment" says Head coach Brian Yowler. "We are not going to dominate anyone this year. Our first five gaps are huge right now and in the end, our ability to close them at the championship meets will be the key to our success this season."

The Golden Tornado women finished second of nine, only losing to the Saint Vincent Bearcats. Senior Alayna Merkle finished the 5K in 25:37, leading the women GT′s pace at 6:53:10. In men′s 8K action, injuries lead to a fifth place finish of seven but did not crush hopes with healing on the way as Jacob Beschner, Gary Ridenour and Curtis Watson will look to return and start in the 2013 season.

September 14th the Cross Country teams will head over to Penn State Behrend with the women starting at 11:15 a.m. and the men at 11:45 a.m.